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Joske Turbo
Silver Member
Belgium
412 Posts |
 Posted - 10/25/2009 : 20:41:40
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Hi guys
I've got my bass for a pretty while now and it's time to change the strings for the first time. I don't know much about bass strings and i would like to hear which strings you guys prefer. I mostly play funk, rock, blues ... at home; but in my band I play hard rock/ classic rock.
Thanks in advance;
 Joske |
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 10/25/2009 : 20:59:37
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| You can never go wrong with ernies |
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PaulH
Gold Member
535 Posts |
Posted - 10/25/2009 : 21:43:28
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| My wife uses Elites on her Steinberger, and Fender Bronze on her Acoustic. |
Edited by - PaulH on 10/26/2009 09:01:05 |
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verivorax
Platinum Member
Canada
1185 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2009 : 02:47:30
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Look into the DR strings.. they give you a good selection between hex/round core and nickel/NPS/Stainless. Not the most consistent set, but excellent brightness and string life. Plus, you get to support a smaller company in these troubled times. 
Nickel Lo-Riders are their most average string, and may be a good all-round place to start. That said, for funk, many people prefer a Stainless set - look @ the Marcus Miller set or any Hi-Beams for the stainless stuff. |
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Dirk
Platinum Member
Netherlands
1309 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2009 : 17:29:37
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I've been using Rotosound swing bass forever.
For the styles you name, I'd go with a stainless steel, roundwound set.
Stainless steel usually sounds a little brighter than nickel strings, and roundwounds tend to growl more than flatwounds, which is kinda what they use on upright basses.
Nothing is set in stone though, Iron Maidens Steve Harris has been using flatwounds for years now.
Than the next issue is string gauge or thickness.
In general, the bigger the heavier your bass will sound.
Bigger strings will also help when you're tuning down to D or even lower.
I'm using a Billy Sheehan set, which is basically 45 - 65 - 80 - 110.
So the E string is a little fatter than normal, because I like to tune to dropped D tuning on several songs, and we also always tune down a half step on top of that. |
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2009 : 17:37:25
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| Honestly i would say just experiment. and see what you like is really the only way. For me luckly i live buy alot of music stores. so see what is the most common and popular set of strings that they sell can be a start. or try someone elses bass and ask what strings they use |
Edited by - zerksies on 10/26/2009 17:38:03 |
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Witloofboer
Gold Member
Belgium
513 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2009 : 20:51:44
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Optima Golds look great, but I don't know how they sound.
Rotosound Swings (certainly lighter sets) are very funky & sound great while slapping. |
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Topic |
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Bass strings
